Superintendent's Memo: Special Winter Weather Edition

The weather has taken a decidedly “winter feel”. So I thought I would send a reminder out about our Inclement Weather Procedures to you! The plan again for the 2022-2023 school year is to follow a traditional snow day model. 

Remote learning days may be considered if the district exceeds the five snow days built into the school calendar. 

Below you will find our plan to notify staff, students, and parents.

CANCELLING SCHOOL

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?

The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the final decision based on various weather-related factors and recommendations from our Transportation Department, Director of Facilities/Grounds Crew, and in coordination with area Superintendents. 

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

Our goal is to make the decision as early as possible the night before the possible bad weather day so that the radio and TV stations can be notified, parents can secure supervision arrangements. However, there are times when an early morning call will be made, and we aspire to make this kind of call by 5 am so parents can make care arrangements.

Notifications

• If inclement weather is forecasted, we will strive to decide and notify families the day before a cancellation. 
• We will also notify families the morning of a cancellation via telephone, text message, and email (if you do not currently receive notifications, please get in touch with your student’s building secretary to update your contact preferences). 

We will post notifications via radio (99.5 WCME) and television (WCSH 6, WMTW 8, and WGME 13) outlets.  

Parents, Staff, and Students may also use the following social media sites for up-to-date information: 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuptPotenziano
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brunswick-School-Department-896342617067005/
• Website:  www.brunswicksd.org

No School

November 23-25, 2022

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Break!

Click here to view the

2022-2023 school calendar.

*There will not be a Community Newsletter published next week.

Brunswick Schools Emergency Management Plan

Did you know Brunswick School Department has a dynamic and comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (EMP) for all hazards? Our plan was developed with the Brunswick Police Department and Brunswick Fire Department and aligns with best practices from the Maine School Safety Center and the federal Readiness and Emergency Management Technical Assistance Center. Our staff and students are trained in evacuations, sheltering in place, and the ALICE protocol of individualized response to school threats. 

If you would like more information on BSD's Emergency Management Plan, please reach out to Assistant Superintendent Shawn Lambert (slambert@brunswicksd.org or 207-319-1900).

Superintendent Goals for 2022-2023

On September 14, 2022 Superintendent Potenziano gave a presentation of his draft goals that were developed by the Board and the Superintendent at his evaluation this past June. The goals were then finalized on October 26, 2022. 

Click here to read the finalized Superintendent Goals

for the 2022-2023 school year.

Brunswick Buzz

On this month’s episode Phil talks with Brunswick School Department’s Technology Integrators; Ashley LaCroix (Kate Furbish Elementary School), Janice Rodriguez (Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School), Michelle Russo (Brunswick Junior High), and Dan Dearing (Brunswick High School) about how they teach about Media Literacy to students at various grade levels as well as some helpful tips for parents navigating the ever changing digital landscape their student are engage with.

Click here to listen!

Strategic Planning Survey

*Last few weeks to participate - Survey will close on December 2nd!*

Thank you to those that have taken the time to complete the survey, we appreciate your feedback.

The BSD is developing a strategic plan and wants to know how students, parents, and staff perceive the district’s current performance in various areas and what they think the district should prioritize moving forward. Your responses will help BSD understand your needs so we can best serve you.

The purpose of the survey will be to get feedback in order to remain committed to an inclusive, transparent strategic planning process. If you have any questions, please contact info@brunswicksd.org

To take the survey, scan the QR code or click here!

Fall & Winter Athletics

Click here to read the BHS fall athletics update

and winter sports preview.

Employee Spotlight

Rachel Hatem

Special Education Teacher,

Kate Furbish Elementary School

Rachel and her fiance, Nate, currently live in Durham. She attended Champlain College in Burlington, VT.

What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud

Though I'm BRAND new to the district, the community seems AMAZING and I can't wait to get to know everyone!

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

I work at a brewery in Portland, but other than that I love to be outside and by ANY body of water (ocean or lake doesn't matter to me), I've recently started playing golf as well.

Favorite line from a movie?

"From failure we learn, from success not so much" – Meet the Robinsons

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Julie Andrews

What is something you learned in the last week?

How to hit a golf ball out of a sand bunker!

Employment Opportunities

Merrymeeting Adult Education